14 Signs Your Dog Loves You: How Do Dogs Show You Love?
For the most part, it’s pretty obvious when a dog likes you. The licks, the wags, the smiles! But just like people, some pups have reserved personalities. If you’re worried whether or not your dog is connected to you, take a look at their body language and then read the tell-tail signs below. Canines thrive on human companionship and love, so chances are, your pup would hold your hand if he could.
Meet the Experts:
How to Tell If Your Dog Really Loves You
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All of the experts we spoke to say the biggest indicator that your dog really loves you is their need to be close to you. Dr. Michelle Dulake, DVM, says specific actions like your dog following you around, snuggling up to you and getting excited when you come home are huge signs of affection.
Phil Tedeschi, Director Emeritus and Founder of the Institute for Human-Animal Connection at the University of Denver, agrees that the best way to interpret a dog’s emotion is through their behavior. In particular, he says playtime can tell you a lot about your dog’s feelings toward you.
An entire chapter In “Wonderdog: The Science of Dogs and Their Unique Friendship with Humans” by science writer Jules Howard, is dedicated to play and its role in the animal-human bond. The book says a playful dog is a relaxed dog. Relaxation comes when a dog trusts you.
Plus, according to Dr. Gabre Denton, if your dog is relaxed around you, “it’s safe to say they’re very much experiencing love.”
Beyond play and proximity, dogs who sniff you, sleep next to you, follow you around and make eye contact with you are full of love for ya.
The Science Behind Dogs Showing Emotion
Humans and dogs have been buddies for millennia and we’ve spent many of those years trying to understand the science behind their actions and emotions. What we’ve learned recently is that canine brains react in ways akin to human brains during interactions with loved ones.
“The bond between dogs and their owners is very similar to the bond between parents and children,” Dr. Dulake says. We can thank oxytocin, sometimes referred to as the “love hormone,” for this. Studies have shown an increase in oxytocin levels in both humans and dogs after interactions with each other.
Tedeschi adds, “We know dogs share much of the same neurological structures as humans and that, when investigated, use the same parts of the brain as people do when feeling love and affection.” He notes that most animals have internal emotional lives, an idea based on the Belief in Animal Mind (BAM) theory, which essentially says animals of all kinds, even bugs, have minds of their own. In fact, earlier this year, 40 neurologists, philosophers, scientists and professors from around the world signed The New York Declaration on Animal Consciousness, a statement acknowledging consciousness, or the possibility of consciousness, in all animals—and even some invertebrates.
“There is ample reason to believe that your dog has an opinion about all kinds of issues, can feel jealousy and have emotions about fairness,” Tedeschi says.
However, Dr. Dulake warns against assuming a dog’s experience or display of love will mirror a human’s. She says, “While they may not have the same depth of emotional reasoning, they definitely feel deep emotional connections with us.” Those emotions may not manifest in an immediately identifiable way.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the biggest boost to oxytocin levels in dogs during a 2021 study from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, Austria, was…food. Not cuddles with bonded humans, but food. Why are we not surprised?
14 Signs Your Dog Loves You
1. Your Dog Sniffs You
Canines explore and interpret their environments through scent (they greet each other by sniffing butts, after all). “People rely more heavily on visual cues and recognition,” Tedeschi says. “Dogs rely more on olfactory information for this recognition and sense of connectedness.” When your dog sniffs you, it’s a strong indication they’re happy to see you. Since your smell is unique, not only does breathing in your essence ensure it’s really you, it triggers pleasure centers in your dog’s brain. Researchers from Emory University safely administered MRIs to dogs to determine what happens to their brains when presented with familiar scents. The result? Lots of activity in the caudate nucleus, the area of the brain linked to rewards and pleasure. In fact, nothing made the dog’s brain light up more than the smell of a human they knew well (that’s you!).
2. Your Dog Greets You at the Door
This may seem obvious, but greeting you at the door is a strong sign your dog feels connected to you. Sure, the greeting might be motivated by the promise of a potty break or dinner, but the alternative is a dog who retreats, which is a bad sign. “Dogs tend to express [their] deep connections by wanting to be in close proximity, often seen [in] behaviors of leaning in… vocalizing excitement when meeting,” Tedeschi says. So, a dog greeting you at the door with a wag and a whine means they’re happy to see you—and that’s a major win for the human-animal bond.
3. Your Dog Licks You
Dogs lick things to explore and interpret their environment. Kasey Stopp, DVM, CVA writes on PetMD that dogs use their tongues to improve their sense of smell and to let you know they’re feeling anxious. If your dog licks you, it could be their way of making sure you’re you. It could also be a sign that they need you to soothe some anxieties. Since mother dogs lick their pups, dogs may try to soothe themselves by licking you.
4. They Wag Their Tail When They See You
Tail wagging is a dead giveaway that your dog loves you. “Dogs are incredibly expressive animals, and they show emotion in a variety of ways,” Dr. Dulake says. “Tail wagging is the classic sign—when a dog’s tail wags in wide, happy arcs, that’s a good indicator they’re feeling joy.”
5. They Sleep Next to You (or on Top of You)
Canines, even when asleep, protect themselves from potential predators. In the wild, they typically sleep in what VCA Animal Hospitals calls a “defensive position.” Picture a dog with its nose out (to smell anything unusual) and an entire pack with their backs facing in, forming a little circle of safety. Sleep is vulnerable! If your dog chooses to sleep with you or next to your bed, this means they trust you. You’re basically a pack member.
6. Your Dog Brings You Gifts or Toys
Like cats, dogs enjoy giving gifts to people they love. Unlike cats, who tend to present family members with nothing more than dead birds, dogs prefer toys. Of course, this is also a way to ask for something, like playtime.
“Many canine behavior experts underline the importance of play as a method for communicating well-being and solidifying the friendly connection with others,” Tedeschi says. “Dogs use play to express friendship and love… If a person responds by starting to play, a dog gets the message that they are important, worth the time—playing together is an investment in one another.”
What’s sweet about this behavior is your dog’s interest in you. Essentially, you’re friends and your dog is texting you to hang out.
7. Your Dog Follows You Around
According to The Kennel Club of the U.K., “If your dog follows you everywhere then it’s a sign that they trust and love you and that you make them feel safe.” As social animals, canines typically enjoy being around others (even dogs who are more reserved with other dogs tend to enjoy the company of humans they feel connected to). Similarly, if your dog follows you from room to room, snoozing in close proximity to you but not necessarily right on your heels, it’s still a sign they love ya. There are definitely some dogs who suffer from separation anxiety, though that behavior is more often characterized by what happens when you aren’t around.
8. Your Dog Is Relaxed When You Are Home
As Dr. Denton says, relaxation is a key indicator your dog loves you. “Relaxed ears, soft eyes, and leaning into you are also signs of affection or contentment,” he says. “On the other hand, anxious dogs may exhibit behaviors like pacing, yawning, tail between their legs or licking their lips excessively.” All dogs are individuals, so take note of which signs your pup gives when he feels relaxed or playful.
9. Your Dog Makes Eye Contact with You
Now, similarly to cats, dogs will make direct and prolonged eye contact with you if they feel safe around you. While some research shows young puppies and playful dogs are most likely to make strong eye contact a habit, the American Kennel Club says all types of dogs lock eyes to figure out what’s going on with us. They’re literally trying to read our minds. Other studies have discovered dogs (especially females) pick up on and mirror human emotions and this bond deepens over time. Canine brains have even been known to release oxytocin while making eye contact with their favorite people.
10. They Perk Up at Your Name
Yes, dogs know to come when they hear their names, but what about yours? If you see your dog’s ears perk up (or their whole head swivel, if you’re lucky) when someone says your name, this means they are so connected to you they want to be involved at the mere mention of you. Whether you’re physically present or simply spoken of in passing, your dog is all ears.
11. Your Dog Tries to Herd You
Corgis, cattle dogs and just about every registered Belgian dog breed are members of the Herding Group. This means their instincts to wrangle groups into organized pods are strong. Though sort of funny to observe, this behavior could actually be a sign of affection. Herding breeds care about their charges and don’t want anyone to get lost. At the very least, this means your dog is observant and notices where you (or your kids) move—and wants to help protect.
12. Your Dog Rolls on Their Back and Shows Their Belly
“If your dog is licking you or rolling over to show their belly, it’s a sign they trust and love you!,” Dr. Dulake says. The belly exposure is huge because it puts dogs in a very vulnerable position. They are basically exposing their organs to you, knowing you won’t harm them.
On the other hand, the Humane Society of Huron Valley says you have to check the context clues to really understand your dog’s message. Dogs with relaxed faces, legs splayed out, writhing around probably want belly rubs. Dogs with stiff bodies, tense faces, closed mouths and one leg in the air may not be interested in touching.
13. Your Dog Carries Your Clothes or Shoes Around
If your dog carries the things that smell the most like you with him wherever he goes, he likely loves you so much he wants to keep a reminder of you with him all the time. This is different than tearing apart your slippers or eating your shirts. Nuzzling you-scented stuff is pure affection.
14. Your Dog Can Smile at You or Make Loving Facial Expressions
“Dogs have evolved to be expressive beings to better connect with humans,” Tedeschi says, referencing a 2017 study out of the University of Portsmouth that revealed dogs make more facial expressions when humans look at them. Domesticated dogs have learned that when we’re looking at them, they can communicate with just a look. Pretty amazing.
Can my dog feel that I love them?
If you’re on the receiving end of any or all of these signs your dog loves you, it stands to reason they feel the love you give. If you’re not sure whether your dog senses that you love them, investigate their body language when you’re around. If they tense up or refuse to make eye contact, that could mean they don’t trust you yet or you’re doing something that makes them uncomfortable.
“Quality time is something we identify in our human relationships as a measure of being someone’s priority,” Tedeschi says. “This holds true in the canine/human relationship as well… Putting your phone away, moving with your dog, getting off leash and sharing toys and treats are all familiar rituals we would do with our family and friends to express our connection, and dogs also appreciate being centered in our busy lives.”
How can I strengthen my relationship with my dog?
“Dog parents can strengthen their bond [with their dogs] by spending quality time together, whether it’s through play, walks, or cuddling,” Dr. Denton says. He also recommends training sessions and teaching dogs tricks as excellent bonding activities. Not only does it improve your dog’s skills, it builds trust and affection between you. “Plus, just paying attention to what makes your dog happy goes a long way!”
Dr. Dulake agrees, adding that consistent routines and positive reinforcement are essential to strong bonds with pups. “Dogs love structure, so sticking to regular feeding times, walks, and play sessions builds trust,” she says.
Tedeschi reminds pet parents that even small gestures have big impacts. “When your pet enters the room, it’s very important to them to hear you acknowledge them. ‘Good morning, Juniper’ goes a long way to knowing you see them.”
Dr. Dulake encourages keeping your dog well-fed, too. “Don’t underestimate the power of healthy food and supplements…Giving your dog high-quality nutrition shows you care about their overall well-being,” she says.
All of our experts note that actions speak louder than words. Dogs need your time.
“Remember their whole world is you,” Dr. Denton says. “Even if you’ve had a long day and don’t feel like you have the energy, they have been waiting all day for their best friend to return home, so give them all the love.”
Recapping signs your dog loves you
At the end of the day, a dog who loves you is a dog who enjoys your company and seeks you out. Greeting you at the door with an eager face, a wagging tail, a toy or all three is a sign you’re the apple of their eye. In return, we suggest you hold their gaze, let them sniff you, take them for a long walk, then end the day cuddled up together in bed. But that’s just us.